Heritage & Protected Trees: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin Code Section 105.35.5 designates 'Grand Trees' as the city's heritage trees, requiring permits and supervision by an Approved Arborist for canopy or root pruning, with strict removal limits.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg designates Grand Trees as any protected tree 30 inches DBH or larger (except Laurel Oaks) under Section 16.40.060.5, requiring permits for removal and major pruning.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Sec. 105.35.5 | - |
| Pruning supervisor | Approved Arborist required | - |
| Permit required | Yes, even for routine work | - |
| Removal standard | Hazard or unavoidable conflict | - |
| Designation | Largest specimens by species | - |
| Grand Tree size | - | 30 inches DBH |
| Excluded species | - | Laurel Oak |
| Major pruning | - | 8 inch branches need permit |
| Authority | - | City Urban Forestry |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in Dunedin?
Grand Trees are exceptionally large or significant specimens designated under Section 105.35.5 based on species-specific size criteria measured at diameter breast height (DBH).
Can I prune my own Grand Tree?
No. Canopy and root pruning on Grand Trees must be performed by or supervised by an Approved Arborist, with a permit obtained from Dunedin Planning.
St. Petersburg FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in St. Petersburg?
A Grand Tree is any protected tree 30 inches DBH or larger, with Laurel Oaks excluded. Grand Trees receive heightened protection and require permits for removal and most major pruning.
Can I prune a Grand Tree on my own property in St. Pete?
Light maintenance pruning is generally allowed, but cutting any branch 8 inches or larger in diameter on a Grand Tree requires a permit through City Urban Forestry first.
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